Liv-ex 2017 Bordeaux Classification – Left Bank

This year marks Liv-ex’s fifth Bordeaux classification. The original classification was drawn up by the Bordeaux Brokers Union for use as part of the regional display at the 1855 Paris Universal Exhibition. Based wholly on price, and including only the major estates of the Left Bank, it still defines the way we think about and refer to Bordeaux wines.

In 2009 Liv-ex recreated the 1855 classification by ranking major Left Bank wines by their price. Since then we have updated the classification every two years to reflect the market, publishing new classifications in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

In previous years, Liv-ex has extended the classification to include wines from the Right Bank which were not originally classified. Details of this year’s Right Bank classification will be published next week.

In addition, this year’s classification will extend beyond Bordeaux to include wines from the rest of the world. This final table includes wines from Spain to Australia and will appear on Liv-ex Insights towards the end of next week.

Methodology

The average Liv-ex trade price is calculated using actual trades on Liv-ex from 30/04/2016 to 01/05/2017. To warrant a classification, at least five vintages of a wine must have traded in the period. The average Liv-ex trade price is expressed for a 12x75cl unit in GBP and is volume weighted.

The Liv-ex Bordeaux 500 index has moved 25% since the 2015 reclassification. Price bands have been adjusted accordingly.

The resulting classes are:

1er Cru – £2,500 or more

2eme – £688 to £2,499

3eme – £438 to £687

4eme – £313 to £437

5eme – £250 to £312

2017 Bordeaux classification highlights – Left Bank

Mission Haut Brion is clinging on to its place among the First Growths. With an average trade price of £2,500 (volume weighted), the wine sits just within the boundaries of the top category. The other First Growths comfortably maintained their positions.

Palmer continues to lead the Liv-ex second wines, while flying fifths Lynch Bages and Pontet Canet also hold their spots in the category. Leoville Barton, previously a third growth, has risen to the second tier.

Further down the table, gains have been made by La Lagune, Talbot and Issan, which have all risen to become third growths. Rising star Giscours missed out on a spot in the category by just £4.

Clos Marquis, Chasse Spleen and Cantemerle each gained places in the table. None of these three achieved classified status in 2015.

The full results of the Left Bank classification are published below. Classifications of second wines, the Right Bank and the rest of the world will be published next week.